Monday, September 19, 2011

THE JUDDS HEADLINE FRANKLIN THEATRE BENEFIT


TICKETS TO GREEN NIGHTS CONCERT GO ON SALE SEPT 23

The Judds (2010 press image)FRANKLIN, Tenn. (September 19, 2011) — The legendary Franklin Theatre today announced that hometown country superstars The Judds are sharing their talent for a Green Nights concert on October 18th at 8 p.m. to benefit the historic landmark.


Naomi and Wynonna Judd will play the 300-seat venue as part of the new Green Nights concert series that will help sustain the nonprofit Franklin Theatre for future generations. Tickets to “Green Nights Presents The Judds” start at $85 and will go on sale September 23rd at www.franklintheatre.com.


“As Williamson County residents, The Judds have been devoted friends of the Franklin Theatre for years,” said Mary Pearce, Executive Director of the Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, which recently restored the venue. “We are incredibly grateful to Naomi and Wynonna for lending their voices to help make sure the theatre has a bright future.”


“The heart of Franklin is the theater and it’s beating again,” said Naomi Judd.  “It never occurred to me that we’d have the thrill of actually performing up on its stage, looking out at smiling familiar neighbors.  Pardon me if I shed a tear of nostalgic joy.”


“I love Franklin and knowing that part of it is being kept original is so important to me and my children,” said Wynonna Judd.  “I have lived in Franklin since 1978.  One of the things I love most is our small town spirit and the way we all hold sacred our unique community.  The familiar sights and the beauty I see when cruising down Main Street does my heart good.  I am happy and grateful to live in such a special place.  I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else on the planet.”


With five Grammy Awards and over 60 industry awards, including eight consecutive CMA Awards under their belts, The Judds are one of country music’s most groundbreaking and enduring acts. The duo has charted 25 singles on the country charts — 14 of which went to Number One — and has sold over 20 million albums worldwide.


Earlier this year, Curb Records released The Judds’ newest compilation album, “I Will Stand By You: The Essential Collection,” featuring new songs and classic hits. The duo also recently starred in a docu-series entitled “The Judds,” which premiered earlier this year on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and followed the iconic mother-daughter duo as they prepared for their first tour in 10 years.  The six-episode series debuted with the highest rated premiere outside of OWN’s launch week.  Viewers tuned in every Sunday night to watch the moving exploration of Wynonna and Naomi’s relationship weaved throughout the backdrop of their momentous concert tour.


In honor of The Judds’ contribution to the Franklin Theatre, the Heritage Foundation will plant a legacy tree in a public space in Williamson County — a nod to the Green Nights philosophy of giving back to the community and the environment that we all care about. Previous Green Nights artists include Vince Gill and Amy Grant, and Michael W. Smith.


Built in 1937, the Franklin Theatre re-opened to the public on June 3 following a multi-year, multi-million-dollar restoration. The Main Street landmark is owned and operated by the nonprofit Heritage Foundation.

No comments: